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Description
In Romania, structurally discriminated groups have limited access to justice due to the multiple barriers they face (economic, lack of trust in authorities, discrimination, homophobic, sexist and racist norms, etc.) and do not have adequate and integrated support services (VOCIARE, Victims of Crime Implementation Analysis, Romania, 2019). Through this project, ACTEDO and the Center for Legal Resources support structurally discriminated groups, in particular women, Roma, LGBT+ people by facilitating their access to justice through pro bono legal aid, information and referral to other support services (for integrated support). Intervention and support for these persons is also improved through the involvement of practitioners, judicial authorities, and service providers, but also by informing and mobilizing NGOs that work with them, as well as the general audience. We also seek to hold decision-makers accountable through an advocacy report and a public policy proposal/ policy brief with recommendations for a better implementation of Romania''s obligations concerning the protection the fundamental rights of all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and for the promotion of pro bono lawyering. We also aim to develop the ACTEDO’s organizational capacity for efficient management, to provide better support for its beneficiaries and to ensure its financial sustainability.
The project is built on the experience of ACTEDO (more than 5 years) and the Center for Legal Resources (more than20 years) of activism and advocacy and in working directly with vulnerable groups to support them in defending their human rights, groups that were consulted in the project through interviews, case studies, evaluations. The Center for Legal Resources brings an added value through their long-term experience in strategic litigation and training of legal staff.
Summary of project results
The project has contributed to improving access to justice for individuals from vulnerable groups by providing pro bono legal assistance, facilitating specialized support, and promoting integrated, multisectoral approaches.
In total 71 individuals from vulnerable categories received pro bono legal support from collaborating lawyers and/or complementary assistance services, with 13 of the cases reaching the courts. ACTEDO and its partner CRJ have trained 227 specialists in anti-discrimination and assistance for vulnerable groups through 3 online workshops and 3 multidisciplinary training sessions in 3 counties. Pro bono lawyering and access to justice were promoted through an advocacy campaign based on a national report, a factsheet with concrete recommendations, including a legislative proposal for regulating pro bono legal practice, which was submitted to the Bar Associations in the country and to UNBR. In total, 85 lawyers and specialists were consulted on these advocacy efforts during 2 roundtable discussions in Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest and an online roundtable. In Cluj County it was organized a multisectoral meeting and laid the groundwork for an innovative, integrated collaboration model with the Cluj Bar Association, marking the first time a Bar Association has taken on pro bono lawyering. Additionally, were organized 2 conferences: the official launch of the project (held online) and a National Pro Bono Forum, the first of its kind in the country. There were also implemented 3 online awareness campaigns and a fundraising campaign. Furthermore, ACTEDO enhanced its organizational and financial capacity through 3 volunteer training sessions, one GDPR training, and by participating in 2 European conferences.
In terms of results and effects 631 individuals were directly involved in the project, and 78,335 people were informed about the project''s activities through ACTEDO''s social media channels.